Letter to the editor: Mayor says goodbye and thank you

Related Media

Unfortunately, there was no good time to resign from council before my term was completed. I fully appreciate the very tough position that my leaving imposes on my fellow council members, city staff and the community. However, it is imperative that city leaders have the opportunity to decide how they want to handle city business going forward.

Timing also played a critical role in not leaving in July when my spouse relocated to Seattle to serve as medical director for Microsoft's Living Well Clinic. I made a commitment to this community, to the states of California and Nevada, and to the TRPA Governing Board to see the tedious and contentious process of the Regional Plan through to completion. I was proud and elated to cast an affirmative vote on behalf of the city at Wednesday's historic TRPA meeting. It truly is the beginning of a new era of cooperation among Lake Tahoe's stakeholders.

After nearly two decades in this magnificent place that we, the Fortier/Pielaet clan, have called home, it is time for new beginnings for our family. But I leave with a heavy heart. This is community has embraced us with such openness and acceptance. Our boys have benefited immensely from all this wonderful place has to offer. It will always be their hometown.

As for me, South Lake Tahoe will be the place where I learned the true meaning of involvement and service. Thank you for the honor of serving you as mayor and as a councilwoman.